pc-minutes-03-13-2023
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the
public were able to monitor the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16, by streaming it
on CCXmedia.org, or by dialing in to the public call‐in line.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Brookins.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: E. Brenna, A. Brookins, S. Ginis, L. Pockl, M. Ruby, C. Segelbaum
Commissioners absent:
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION made by Commissioner Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve the
agenda of March 13, 2023 and move the discussion items to the untelevised portion of the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
4. Discussion – Off Street Parking
Myles Campbell, Planner, started with a summary of the item and while this discussion has been in
process, tonight’s discussion is about Electric Vehicle (EV) Requirements. Staff received comments
from the Environmental Commission which included:
Including EV class is important, even if it means updating in the future if standards change
o Class 2 is required for a number of grant opportunities
o Class 3 could be a major value in commercial areas
Emphasize greenspace and vegetation
Incentivize permeable pavements
Options for solar/wind
No comments on minimum/maximum parking
Staff went on to discuss other city codes, building code requirements, surface parking requirements,
and staff compared Level 1, 2, and 3 chargers.
March 13, 2023 – 6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 13, 2023 – 6:30 pm
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Staff recommends level 2 and 3 chargers for surface parking and a larger lot could lead to a
proportionally greater number of chargers required. Staff added a consideration for a parking
reduction or other incentive for EV chargers in structures or underground parking.
Staff reviewed existing green space requirements surrounding parking and discussed items for
potential review. Staff went on to discuss permeable pavers as a way to decrease hard cover and
Planning staff would work with Engineering staff to explore this option further.
Staff had recommendations to emphasize use of trees and plantings, to ensure that landscaped areas
remain permeable, to consolidate buffer language into landscaping requirements, focus on
boundaries between properties rather than streets, and explore permeable pavers in a way that
doesn’t create new impervious surface issues. They also asked if there was a potential for solar/wind.
Commissioner Ruby mentioned parking space requirements and added to the discussion ensuring
the requirements don’t negatively impact other vehicle/resident needs. Staff discussed surface lots,
structured parking, and incentivizing solar.
Commissioner Brenna agreed that level 2&3 are ideal and asked about code requirement changes
for landscaping. Staff stated that language around landscaping would be amended for off street
parking. Brenna added that current language seems to lead to landscaping as a screening goal and
it’s not related to stormwater. Staff confirmed.
Commissioner Segelbaum asked how common level 3 EV sites are. Staff responded that level 3 are
direct current chargers and thus faster. Staff reviewed presentation slides and discussed price
differences and charger standards.
Chair Pockl pointed out comments from Environmental Commission, the evolution chargers, and
keeping an open mind for voltage so code isn’t changing every year or so. Pockl added comments on
types or chargers at types of parking lots and what the need is for the area.
The conversation went on to discuss other city codes and using Saint Louis Park code as a jumping
point for Golden Valley.
Commissioner Brookins mentioned chargers with voltage per hour availability which could
incentivize level 3. Ruby mentioned apartment complexes where folks park overnight, there may be
less incentive for level 3 chargers. Staff discussed that more and discovering types of use in certain
areas would be helpful. The discussion moved to seeing EV chargers more often in multi‐family
housing areas, it can be an incentive. Staff and Commissioners discussed rules around parking,
parking minimums AND maximums, restrictions, users, and accessibility parking within EV parking
spots.
The discussion moved on about permeable pavers, screening, landscaping buffers, site plan
requirements, permits required, and process.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 13, 2023 – 6:30 pm
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5. Discussion – THC Legislation
Myles Campbell, Planner, started by discussing HF 100 which was introduced to the MN Legislature.
This bill would make recreational cannabis use legal, further define cannabis related industries and
state regulations. The history of this topic goes back to 2014 when the Legislature put together a bill
establishing legality and standards for Medical Marijuana.
The proposed legislation is more complex compared to the “shadow” approval of some edibles in
2021. This would establish state level oversight office and advisory council. The oversight office
would handle regulation and licensing of cannabis businesses throughout the state, along with
statute enforcement. This proposal also sets standards for cannabis businesses in areas such as: food
safety, environmental standards, operational regulation, advertising, sales, etc. It also establishes a
state level “gross receipts” sales tax and included is the expungement of some prior drug offences +
grant opportunities targeted at equitable outcomes.
Proposed Legislation – Local Controls
Local Government cannot prohibit use/transportation/possession of cannabis products, and
cannot prohibit establishment or operation of a licensed cannabis business
Local Government can set reasonable restrictions on time, manner, place of cannabis
businesses
o Can also set a proximity restriction of up to 1,000 feet from schools, day care, nursing
home, union headquarters, house of worship, or Capitol Grounds (later amended to
include parks and playgrounds)
Local Government can set an interim ordinance prohibiting businesses till 2025, but need to
have an ongoing study on the topic (moratorium)
Requirements also set up for Local Government to be timely in responding to potential
cannabis businesses on local requirements (what approvals or permits may be required, etc.)
Staff’s initial consideration:
Substantial changes at the state level, will likely mean some revision to local zoning code.
THC retailers were added to code last year, but all other business types likely fall under more
generalized land use categories
Licensing, which was a big concern last year in order to ensure oversight, now shifts to the
state’s responsibility
Overall much more in statute controlling food and environmental standards means less
ambiguity for local governments like GV
Staff reviewed existing code, land use, and relevant cannabis license holder use. New production and
cultivation use would fall into general land use categories without a code amendment. Given the
number of different cooking/manufacturing categories, a new cannabis focused category could
simplify decision‐making on what use applies. Currently, greenhouses are permitted uses in
industrial, the City could consider a new cannabis cultivation use if it desires more control. Trying to
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 13, 2023 – 6:30 pm
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prohibit a use in effect could be challenged in court further down the road, for example assigning a
permitted zoning district but then using restrictions to eliminate any possible land in that district.
Staff is asking for questions in the statute and seeking direction from the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Ginis stated that the sale of marijuana/related products and the
growing/creation/distribution/manufacturing should be treated separately. Erecting greenhouses
won’t attract crime but it will attract business. Regarding retail sales, utilizing previous restrictions
would be beneficial. Keeping the code distinction clear and concise will only help clarity.
Commissioner Ruby stated that the local government can state their regulations now and doesn’t
have to wait to see what other cites do before Golden Valley acts. Staff stated that many use areas,
(non‐smoking areas) will have THC use rolled into those current regulations. Commissioner
Segelbaum asked for input from Council on if the Commission should treat this regulation like alcohol
and tobacco or if it should be an entity on its own. Tobacco sales are restricted to 8 licenses in the
City and this current THC information eludes to those restrictions not being allowed. Segelbaum
added that blanket prohibition seems to not be allowed, but a denying a CUP isn’t a prohibition. Staff
affirmed.
The discussion moved on to the intricacies of each zoning designation, conditional uses or not, and
then if those regulations apply to all or some uses. The number of categories seems excessive but as
staff narrows specific uses to certain zoning areas, that will be workable for staff and businesses.
Commissioner Brookins added he’s not opposed to implementing a lot of extra code but rather
creating a category and treat the businesses based on where they fit in the category/zoning.
Chair Pockl added there’s benefit to looking at definitions included in the legislation and creating
categories based on that language. There should be consideration when regulating THC like tobacco
since tobacco is a dying industry. Regulations should be consistent with those that are happening or
could, not ones that may be null. The conversation revolved around legalization, businesses,
categories, and other first ring cities of larger metropolitan cities.
–End of Televised Portion of Meeting –
6.Council Liaison Report
7.Other Business
8.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Ruby to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum and
approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:01pm.
________________________________
________________________________ Secretary, Sofia Ginis
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant